Carmela's Mexican Restaurant

The food was really good and the prices were great.

Very enjoyable great meal couldn't of had a better meal. Great service

Exceptional food, great atmosphere always positive full of light lots of windows, positive vibes and the service is spot on

I was pleasantly surprised. There is a nice outdoor patio you can eat at and the food was above average. I got the mole burrito with carnitas, it came out about 5 minutes after I ordered it. The mole is excellent and I've had a lot of moles, this was a good one. The carnitas had some crispy bits and tasted grilled which is how it should be. There was also plenty of guacamole inside. The salsa was great too, fresh and flavorful.

Their burritos are very good, but I personally like their chimichangas the best.

Traveling around the area and thought I would try this place with kids. Food and salsa was amazing. I would definitely come back.

Best place to eat. Great prices, great food and lots of parking

We ordered online for pick up….the food was fresh, hot and ready when we arrived!

Very good food and quick service. Maria was our waitress.

Having lived in states bordering Mexico for decades my tastes are very authentic Mexican food tuned. This restaurant was amazing for the location. I'd never have expected such good Mexican food so far north. That being said, the food is adapted to the community. If this was in South Tucson, for example, I'd give it a lower food rating.

friendly staff who are very welcoming and helpful. food was prepared quickly. meals were satisfactory and went beyond our expectations. very satisfying and filling meal. they give each guest their own salsa dish with complimentary chips :)

Maria was very friendly! Great service, delicious food! Kid friendly

Very good food at a reasonable price (especially for the North Coast). The service was great and we were a large party. The mole burrito was fantastic: recommend the grilled chicken. Enought for a filling meal, and took half home for the next night. Excellent margaritas and a full bar.

CHURROS. period. Seriously I would say these are THE BEST churros I’ve ever had in my life. I’m not kidding. I’m 44. East coast west coast survivor foodie fr. They are hot, fresh, not too sweet not too sugary but enough to still get messy. Crunchy slightly heavy and like soft and gooey in the middle, WHAT!?!? We’re guna try the tres leches cake next. Took my Husband out to linner and the food was hot, salsa is spicy, chill atmosphere, friendly staff and and every food tasted homemade. We also love the horchata. I was stuffed couldn’t finish my plate!

We had an incredible experience. The staff and owner were so nice and made some chips in new oil so they would no be fried in the same oil as other foods with gluten. They were very aware about allergens and catered to our needs without any problems. The food was amazing, great tacos for cheap on taco Tuesday and the Huarache dish is amazing. Just passing through but would eat here any time we’re in Arcata!! Highly recommend for eats and service

Sit down restaurant with a parking lot, full bar, tables and seating booths. Decent decor, music, lighting, food and windows. Purpose built with some wear showing on fabric seats. Friendly and prompt service, moderate food and paper bill preparation time at midday with two other tables seated at the time. Chips and two sauces, red hot and red chunky brought promptly. Tortilla chips large and distinctly home made, sauces in syrup containers with two plastic bowls with very good flavor. Menu extensive with ala carte and combos. We ordered taco salad and an enchilada chili relleno combo with bean choice black, good garnish but, no crema or avocado. Taco salad had a good amount of very good flavor meat and included tomato, avocado and crema. Good mexican cheese with relleno made with poblano pepper and enchilada with Mexican cheese. We used the sauces on our food and we finished it all and we were full.

I am always reluctant to try new food, because It comes with almost certain disappointment. That was not the case at all today when I chose to be spontaneous and eat lunch at Carmela’s. This is the best Mexican food that I have had in my life (a statement I don’t make lightly). Our server, Victor, was beyond friendly. The drinks were affordable and strong, exactly how I like it. Everything was a 5/5. Delicious, affordable, and incredibly recommendable. Thank you so much to the owners for opening such an amazing establishment. I’m you’re #1 fan

This place has the best Mexican food around . I had the quesabirria tacos , OMG ! My son got the loco Burrito. Took 3 days to eat . It's humongous. If you haven't eaten here before, do yourself a favor and try it out. You won't be disappointed.

Excellent veggie and vegetarian burritos - lots of grilled veggies and not too heavy feeling. The portions are huge and has good beer on drought, and the mole sauce (while spicy) is mega good. Recommend.

Absolutely best tamales I've ever had. Everything was delicious and the service was great. They even took a picture for us. Thank you!!!!

Carmelas is a great value for your money. Huge portions for a good price. The blackberry margaritas are delicious and the best Huachuca anywhere. The tortilla soup is also one of my favorites. I have been eating here for years and poor Carmela has been putting up with me and my friends antics with patience and great service for so long. Thanks Carmella, you are the hardest working woman in the Mexican restaurant biz for sure and deserve all the best!

Amazing Mexican. We got takeout and it was beyond delicious and we couldn't finish the meal, as it was so big! Skip lunch and have 2 meals in 1 here. 🌯🌮

jourdan ferguson

friendly staff who are very welcoming and helpful. food was prepared quickly. meals were satisfactory and went beyond our expectations. very satisfying and filling meal. they give each guest their own salsa dish with complimentary chips :)

Kelly Walter

Maria was very friendly! Great service, delicious food! Kid friendly

Kevin D Sherman

Very good food at a reasonable price (especially for the North Coast). The service was great and we were a large party. The mole burrito was fantastic: recommend the grilled chicken. Enought for a filling meal, and took half home for the next night. Excellent margaritas and a full bar.

Susan Badra

CHURROS. period. Seriously I would say these are THE BEST churros I’ve ever had in my life. I’m not kidding. I’m 44. East coast west coast survivor foodie fr. They are hot, fresh, not too sweet not too sugary but enough to still get messy. Crunchy slightly heavy and like soft and gooey in the middle, WHAT!?!? We’re guna try the tres leches cake next. Took my Husband out to linner and the food was hot, salsa is spicy, chill atmosphere, friendly staff and and every food tasted homemade. We also love the horchata. I was stuffed couldn’t finish my plate!

Michael Bennett

We had an incredible experience. The staff and owner were so nice and made some chips in new oil so they would no be fried in the same oil as other foods with gluten. They were very aware about allergens and catered to our needs without any problems. The food was amazing, great tacos for cheap on taco Tuesday and the Huarache dish is amazing. Just passing through but would eat here any time we’re in Arcata!! Highly recommend for eats and service

Wade van Buskirk

Sit down restaurant with a parking lot, full bar, tables and seating booths. Decent decor, music, lighting, food and windows. Purpose built with some wear showing on fabric seats. Friendly and prompt service, moderate food and paper bill preparation time at midday with two other tables seated at the time. Chips and two sauces, red hot and red chunky brought promptly. Tortilla chips large and distinctly home made, sauces in syrup containers with two plastic bowls with very good flavor. Menu extensive with ala carte and combos. We ordered taco salad and an enchilada chili relleno combo with bean choice black, good garnish but, no crema or avocado. Taco salad had a good amount of very good flavor meat and included tomato, avocado and crema. Good mexican cheese with relleno made with poblano pepper and enchilada with Mexican cheese. We used the sauces on our food and we finished it all and we were full.

Myranda Hamilton

I am always reluctant to try new food, because It comes with almost certain disappointment. That was not the case at all today when I chose to be spontaneous and eat lunch at Carmela’s. This is the best Mexican food that I have had in my life (a statement I don’t make lightly). Our server, Victor, was beyond friendly. The drinks were affordable and strong, exactly how I like it. Everything was a 5/5. Delicious, affordable, and incredibly recommendable. Thank you so much to the owners for opening such an amazing establishment. I’m you’re #1 fan

Reuben Regalado

This place has the best Mexican food around . I had the quesabirria tacos , OMG ! My son got the loco Burrito. Took 3 days to eat . It's humongous. If you haven't eaten here before, do yourself a favor and try it out. You won't be disappointed.

Wes S

Excellent veggie and vegetarian burritos - lots of grilled veggies and not too heavy feeling. The portions are huge and has good beer on drought, and the mole sauce (while spicy) is mega good. Recommend.

Shantra Golyer

Absolutely best tamales I've ever had. Everything was delicious and the service was great. They even took a picture for us. Thank you!!!!

Timoteo Boldton

Carmelas is a great value for your money. Huge portions for a good price. The blackberry margaritas are delicious and the best Huachuca anywhere. The tortilla soup is also one of my favorites. I have been eating here for years and poor Carmela has been putting up with me and my friends antics with patience and great service for so long. Thanks Carmella, you are the hardest working woman in the Mexican restaurant biz for sure and deserve all the best!

Alan King

Amazing Mexican. We got takeout and it was beyond delicious and we couldn't finish the meal, as it was so big! Skip lunch and have 2 meals in 1 here. 🌯🌮

Great price for lunch. $10 for 2 item plate with chips and salsa.

I love this spot! The tall ceilings and spacious dining room are not an illusion, this place is huge and the roominess is nice! Everyone is very friendly, the food is delicious, and they're reasonably priced to boot. The view of Arcata Bay is a bonus.

I washed my dishes with industrial cleaner at work again, waiting for the residue to slowly poison me. It's hailing and the sun is out, the rainbow is nowhere to be seen. The ice is a lense that blocks my view and only brings a sheet of coldness which we cannot control. The roads are slick now, waiting for someone to run for hope, waiting for someone to try and escape. Best Taco Tuesday awesome staff 5 stars!

Brandon Langston

Great price for lunch. $10 for 2 item plate with chips and salsa.

steve

I washed my dishes with industrial cleaner at work again, waiting for the residue to slowly poison me. It's hailing and the sun is out, the rainbow is nowhere to be seen. The ice is a lense that blocks my view and only brings a sheet of coldness which we cannot control. The roads are slick now, waiting for someone to run for hope, waiting for someone to try and escape. Best Taco Tuesday awesome staff 5 stars!

greg sounhein

Best place to eat. Great prices, great food and lots of parking

Love this place. Food is good and comes out quickly. Only reason it’s not a five star is I used to live in Southern California so everything in my mind is compared to there. Also I they had Coke instead of Pepsi. We like their shredded chicken burrito and their shredded beef sopes.

Tortillas are hand made but thin. The prices are as expected for the area. Expect $15-20 per person. Service was slow, but happy hour prices are great. I got 2 IPA pints for $5.50. They have a bar and bar seating. Other seating are tables and booths. My eyes were bigger than my stomach, so be warned, the photos make the food smaller than they appear by 25% I would say. I ordered a #20, 2 burritos, 1 taco, bean and rice for $15.99. I also had 2, IPA beers for $5.50. Enjoy!

I understand it was lunch on a monday. So the place was not crowded. Which I prefer. Love this place had the burrito supremo. Tasty affordable and always good.

Really good food and huge portions! Definitely got our money's worth. The service was friendly but really slow.

robert

I understand it was lunch on a monday. So the place was not crowded. Which I prefer. Love this place had the burrito supremo. Tasty affordable and always good.

Stephanie Schlotthauer

Really good food and huge portions! Definitely got our money's worth. The service was friendly but really slow.

Potato taquitos were great and they also offer gluten free and vegan/vegetarian options. Burritos are big and tasty. Tofu tacos were a great value.

Amanda Solnit

Potato taquitos were great and they also offer gluten free and vegan/vegetarian options. Burritos are big and tasty. Tofu tacos were a great value.

Changing review: service & food is good but who I assume is the manager(short balding guy with dark hair) is not a great manager. Asked for a water cup with my to go order because I wanted water and I just was given an empty cup. Another time my burrito was way too filled and fell apart as soon as I unwrapped it. I brought it back because I ordered a burrito, not a bowl. Got the worst manager, who gave plenty of attitude in receiving and delivering the re-wrapped burrito. Hit and miss at best. Have to double check my order every single time.

The food was decent, but the service was subpar. To start, we asked for no straws with our drinks and instead got two straws in one drink. When the food arrived, we tried to confirm with the person who brought the food to our table which dishes were which, and her response was that she didn't know since she didn't take our order. The reason we were asking was because of allergies mentioned when we ordered, so that wasn't very reassuring. Overall the meal ended up being okay, and the price was reasonable. But the quality of service and poor environmental policies mean that I won't likely be back.

The food and atmosphere are really good. Simple, traditional. Usually not overly busy. Big portions. Great price. The service leaves a lot to be desired though. Slow. Servers often vanish for long periods of time. You usually get the food in a prompt manner, so that's good... but can often wait a long time if you need something after, or for the check.

Not impressed to say the least. Food was okay, meat was day and not very tender. The waitress was nice and sweet but not attentive enough, especially when there was two waitresses plus and assistant in only 4 tables. I made you wonder if they were cooking and serving. I hate to be there will the Full House! The one positive side they do have the most amazing asada fries I've ever had

The margaritas were made with bottled mix and ZERO tequila. I would’ve sent it back but the server seemed to be having a hard day. The vegetarian tacos consist of 1 item - I chose 1 tofu and 1 spinach - on a small, bare flour tortilla and nothing else. No onions and cilantro, no lettuce, no beans or grilled veggies that would’ve greatly improved the taco, just a few cubes of tofu or a few spinach leaves and nothing else. I would’ve sent rate this place 2 ⭐️ but my companions were happy with their meals: shrimp fajitas and a mole burrito.

Carol Bach

The margaritas were made with bottled mix and ZERO tequila. I would’ve sent it back but the server seemed to be having a hard day. The vegetarian tacos consist of 1 item - I chose 1 tofu and 1 spinach - on a small, bare flour tortilla and nothing else. No onions and cilantro, no lettuce, no beans or grilled veggies that would’ve greatly improved the taco, just a few cubes of tofu or a few spinach leaves and nothing else. I would’ve sent rate this place 2 ⭐️ but my companions were happy with their meals: shrimp fajitas and a mole burrito.

Ordered 2 chimichangas, a regular burrito, and 2 drinks. Paid $55 bucks on doordash. Got tortillas empty besides dry meat.

This place is probably the worst Mexican restaurant I have ever eaten at, don’t get me wrong the service wasn’t bad and that’s the only reason that this got 2 stars. I’m a critic when it comes to my food and I expected them to make some good simple tacos, after my friend had been hyping them up so much, but they couldn’t even do that, their meat was chewy, and dry it also tremendously lacked flavor. like seriously how hard is it to make a good taco. How hard is it to season your food.

I don’t like leaving negative reviews but the vegetarian tacos were pretty bad. There wasn’t a menu that was accessible for take out without asking for it so they just gave me burnt cauliflower as the “protein”. It was extremely bland.

Madison Mayenschein

I don’t like leaving negative reviews but the vegetarian tacos were pretty bad. There wasn’t a menu that was accessible for take out without asking for it so they just gave me burnt cauliflower as the “protein”. It was extremely bland.

I got food poisoning from this place. The service was great and the food was good until I woke up at 2 in the morning feeling very Ill. Currently on my way to the doctors to help my stomach. I will never be eating there again. I ate the carnitas torta. Never again.

They seem to have a real issue with making certain items meat and sour cream free. They get my order wrong about 98% of the time. Their prices are too high for them to consistently mess up my order. All I ever order is a California burrito with no meat or sour cream.